368 pages

4 and 1 / 2 stars

Milo and Alex have a very tough case in this, the latest, in the Alex/Milo series by Jonathan Kellerman. “Serpentine” is a perfect title for this book because the case is very twisty and surprises abound.

Milo gets roped into investigating a cold case. Thirty years earlier, a woman's body was found in a crashed and incinerated car with a bullet in her. Her name is Dorothy Svoboda. She left behind a common law husband and a daughter. The daughter is now very wealthy and wants to know the circumstances of her mother's death.

Milo is angry at first but then becomes interested in the case and likes the woman who is asking about her mother. He and Alex go on the search for clues. Several detectives have investigated the case over the years. Only one is still alive. They undertake an exhaustive search through newspapers and old acquaintances of Dorothy's.

The meet some of the movers and shakers of old Hollywood. They learn valuable information.

This is a very well written and plotted novel, although it seems to lose its way in some spots. (Hence the 4 and 1 / 2 stars.) A couple of the transitions had me going, “Huh?” I really like Milo and Alex and enjoy their repartee. They have been partners for such a long time, they can finish each others' thoughts. Their easy relationship is refreshing and welcome. I like the way Milo's team pulls together and gets the job done efficiently.

I want to thank NetGalley and Random House UK for forwarding to me a copy of this great book for me to read, enjoy and review.